Express Lunch – Delicious Alu Methi Pulav.

The Green Blog Project had set me thinking on my own little contribution to taking this world, in to little baby steps towards a greener tomorrow and a pesticide free tomorrow. I had planted little methi seeds in my own little patio garden in my apartment and I got lovely green tender methi leaves. I had been wanting to use those tiny leaves and this was my chance. I had some leftover rice from dinner and I decided to make Alu Methi Pulav as an express preparation for my husband`s lunch for the morrow.

All the ingredients would ber definitely available in your pantry at all times. The only two spices that are a must are Star Anise and ShahiJeera or Somph. These cant be substituted as they constitute the base flavour for the whole pulav, of course apart from the methi.

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium onion sliced long.

2 Potatoes chopped to fine pieces.

3-4 Star Anise.

Small piece of Cinnamon.

2 cloves.

1 tsp of Shahi Jeera or Somph.

1 Bay Leaf.

Turmeric

1/2 spoon Red Chilli Powder.

Garam Masala to taste.

Freshly chopped Methi seeds or 1 Tbsp of Kasuri Methi.

4-5 Cashews sliced in to halves.

Salt to taste.

Ghee for garnish.

PREPARATION:

Pop the chopped pieces of potatoes in to the microwave after sprinkling a little salt on them. Cook for 3 mins on HIGH. Set aside.

Take a wok or kadai and add 2 spoons of oil. Add the Star anise, shahijeera, cloves, cinnamon and cashew and allow to saute for a couple of seconds. The jeera and the anise give out a very delectable aroma.

Now add the chopped onions and saute for a few minutes until the onions turn a little pinkish brown.

Now add the semi cooked potatoes, turmeric, red chilli powder, salt, garam masala and stir it all in quickly.

Allow a few more minutes for the spices to sink in to the potatoes.

Now add the chopped fresh methi/ kasuri methi and stir in well.

After a few more minutes, add some chopped cilantro and mix well.

Now add the cooked rice , more salt as required and gently mix it taking care not to break the rice particles.

Finish off by dolloping a spoon of ghee.

Serve HOT with raitha. Excellent option for LUNCH along with Raitha or just plain curd.